The Battle of Huai Mountain ended in the complete defeat of the Northern Demon Army.
Although not many ordinary soldiers died, all the strong ones were wiped out.
This was an even greater blow than losing over ten thousand soldiers.
For quite some time, they wouldn’t dare stretch their hands toward the south again—at least not until their brains cooled down.
The last words Ella spoke before stabbing someone conveyed so much information that it was as heavy as her Big Rice Cake.
“You say she’s the Demon King, so why would the Demon King turn into a Succubus? Now she’s lost her throne and has to seek outside help to take it back.”
“Is it possible she just wanted to experience what it’s like to be a Succubus?”
“Leaving aside the Succubus issue, how did she make contact with the Human Hero Squad and bring them under her command?”
These questions would keep their brains sizzling for a while.
Meanwhile, in Bright Cross Star City, Ella left the Four Generals behind with some instructions, then prepared to return to the Royal City with the Hero Squad.
Military Government wasn’t exactly a good word, but since this place was already feudal, the system wasn’t considered oppressive—in fact, it might even be seen as progress.
“We’re all set. Let’s go~”
Four Dragon Hawks soared into the sky, first flying southwest toward the Elves to rest and resupply, then planning to pass through the Middle Great Forest and Eastern Border—what was the Western Border for the Human Kingdom—on their way back to the Royal City.
This way, they could say they went on a sightseeing tour in the Elves’ territory.
“Celes~”
Vina rode her Dragon Hawk closer to her companion.
“What are you planning to do when we get back?”
“…What?”
The wind was too strong to hear clearly.
Vina couldn’t use Wind Elemental Magic to send her voice to her friend’s ear—disturbing the airflow could cause the Dragon Hawk to crash.
So, in the sky, only two people riding the same Dragon Hawk could whisper to each other.
“Ella, you left so quickly that night. Was it because it was exciting?”
“……….”
Ella didn’t want to talk.
Then again, don’t you know if it was exciting? Don’t you know who caused it?
Sigh.
Her Big Rice Cake was holding the front line bravely, but who would’ve thought someone would sneak up from behind and ruin her performance, leading to the Saintess mocking her the next day.
Of course, none of that really mattered.
The real question was, “Since when did you two become so close?”
They teamed up and sandwiched the cheese.
Being in the same squad, the better the relationship, the stronger the unity.
But for the cheese herself, it was definitely not a good thing.
“Because Leah is a kind, good girl.”
Zero whispered into the pink-haired big thunder’s ear.
“A truly kind one.”
“………..”
Lala suspects you’re implying something.
Lala also has evidence, but Lala doesn’t want to say it.
If she said it, wouldn’t it mean admitting she’s not truly kind?
Fortunately, Bright Cross Star City was not far from the Middle Great Forest, and before long, the Dragon Hawks arrived.
Two Elf Elders came out to greet them.
“Respected Sky Knight, Death Knight, and honored guests, welcome back.”
Although the Elf representatives had some hesitation during the official vote, the two Elders were very pleased with the result.
Internally, the campaign to expel the demons was a great victory, boosting morale.
Externally, a vast northern territory fell under Ella’s control, forming a deep Military Buffer Zone that demons couldn’t easily cross to invade the Elves.
The land was at peace, and the people’s spirits were high—a wonderful outcome.
“Thank you, Elder Romery.”
Ella cleared her throat.
“However, I prefer titles be used during work.”
“?”
The Elder didn’t quite get it, but the magnanimous leader of the Light Society didn’t press further.
After resupplying the Dragon Hawks, the girls set off again.
This time, they were truly returning to the city.
With trade and specialty imports between the Human Kingdom and the Elves established, relations had improved, and Dragon Hawks flying in from the forest no longer alarmed the city gate guards.
The city defense commander climbed the wall for a look—beautiful girls riding Dragon Hawks.
No problem.
Only they had Dragon Hawks in the entire kingdom.
“No need to panic. Put your bows and arrows away.”
He said to the others.
A nearby guard glanced at him, thinking they hadn’t even drawn their weapons in the first place.
After entering the Royal City, according to plan, Leah headed straight to Church Headquarters, Celes went to the Royal Palace to report, and the rest went to the Sanctuary Hall to find Rolls.
If nothing else, the Sanctuary Hall had two great things: good scenery and environment, and an endless supply of snacks—delivered from the Royal Cuisine.
“You’re back?”
Rolls set out a table of cups and poured tea for everyone.
“You sure are something, gone for so long without sending a single letter. What have you been doing?”
“It has been a while.”
Ella didn’t answer directly.
“How are things in the Royal City? Anything happen lately?”
“Actually, something did happen.”
It turned out that after the Royal City imported a batch of Dilu, they became highly coveted.
Various Royal Courtiers tried all sorts of connections to keep some for themselves, but Maken was extremely firm, leading to a small conflict.
In the end, Maken’s side won.
After that, they swiftly assigned the Dilu to the Stables where speed was most needed, achieving high-speed communication across the kingdom.
As for deliveries, that was too luxurious for now—they would stick to sending messages.
So, everyone was busy with these tasks, hardly paying attention to the girls’ actions.
They had seized an amazing bit of timing.
“That’s about it.”
Rolls sipped tea.
“What about you all?”
“Oh, we visited the Elves.”
Ella replied calmly.
“Teamed up with them, supported a Demon Army under our control, and occupied the southern Demon territory.”
Pfft!
Rolls spat water onto the floor.
“Cough, cough, cough, don’t tell me you had Celes tell others that story too.”
“Of course not.”
Ella blinked cutely.
“I told her to say we went sightseeing among the Elves. Our good friends there will back us up.”
Rolls finally caught his breath, unsure what to say.
If he criticized their actions, they’d already made careful plans—even down to the cover story.
If he praised them, it was still risky and too bold.
In the end, all he could say was:
“Not bad, I suppose.”
Then he sat up and tidied the table a bit.
“We’ll discuss this matter later. I’ll inform the Magic Court—Vina, you might need to head over soon.”
“I don’t want to.”
Vina jumped onto a tall chair.
“I’ve done so much official work. I shouldn’t have to do homework too.”
“You’d better go. There’s something important.”
Rolls said.
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